Contents:
- Cycling advocates call for cyclists to vote 'with their wheels'
- Two steps forward and one back for Auckland Harbour Bridge walkway/cycleway
- Mixed progress on Auckland Harbour Bridge cycleway
- CAN cycle safety petition presented to Minister of Transport
- Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards finalists announced
- New CAN website goes live
- New roadside service for Tasmanian cyclists
- Provision of cycling rights of way: how to make cycling safe and convenient for everyone
- Want to make a difference for cyclists? Start a war
- 'Helmet hair' puts British women off cycling
- Oil prices good news for world's biggest bike manufacturer
- Weblinks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CYCLING ADVOCATES CALL FOR CYCLISTS TO VOTE 'WITH THEIR WHEELS'
Cycling advocacy group Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) today launched a General Election 2008 resource to help candidates and voters who want to support cycling. The aim is to build the numbers of cyclists who vote 'with their wheels'.
CAN spokesperson Stephen McKernon says, "We want parties, candidates and voters to support cycling through this Election. About 750,000 voters, or 26% of voters, are cyclists. This is a huge chunk of the electorate."
McKernon comments, "A vote for cycling is also a vote for better transport, health, neighbourhoods and economic growth. It's not a vote for the demands of a fringe group, it's a vote for things that lie at the heart of a better way of life for all. A vote for cycling stands for a lot more than just cycling.
"Cyclists have huge voting power. Parties and candidates need to be aware of this during this Election, as do cyclists. Political action has a long tradition within cycling, so 'voting with one's wheels' is not a new idea. But it is new to many New Zealand candidates and cyclists, and we want to encourage them to support cycling."
The resources can be found on CAN's Election Campaign website (http://can.org.nz/elections). They include information packs countering myths about cycling with facts and figures, and profiles of party and candidate support for cycling. These profiles are being completed as parties and candidates make their policy clear. CAN will also conduct a very brief survey with as many candidates as possible to assess their individual level of support.
"These resources are designed to help candidates communicate their support to cyclists, and to help cyclists assess who they want to vote for," says McKernon. "We hope this resource will be of major use to all this Election."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWO STEPS FORWARD AND ONE BACK FOR AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE WALKWAY/CYCLEWAY
Auckland Regional and North Shore City councillors have voted in support of walking and cycling on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, though the North Shore councillors included a caveat that they wanted more investigation done:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10531781
Meanwhile, a rally in support of the bridge walkway/cycleway on World Car Free Day (September 21) attracted a large throng- including a small group who cycled there over the bridge itself from the North Shore:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10533446
On 24 September, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) board resolved to support a consideration of bridge pedestrian and cycle paths against other regional walking and cycling projects, as part of a three-year transport programme due to begin in July. Meanwhile, the NZ Transport Agency has said it will decide "by the end of the year" whether to recommend that a bridge walkway and cycleway should proceed:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10533178
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10534053
Cycle Action Auckland's Bevan Woodward says, "NZTA's latest update on walking and cycling access on the Harbour Bridge is disappointing for its lack of clarity, uncertain time frames and propensity for finding excuses why it can't be done.
"NZTA's approach contrasts with the leadership shown by the ARTA Board which has given its clear support for the Walk/cycle way and asked for it to be included in the upcoming Regional Land Transport Programme.
"NZTA knows that the funding application for the walk/cycle way must be lodged with ARTA by October 31st for its 3 yearly funding cycle, yet they say they'll decide 'by the end of the year' whether a proposal for the walkway/cycleway is to be progressed.
"They also appear to be inflating the costs of the walk/cycle way by suggesting the connection to the Bridge could cost up to $18 million. In reality, the costs of connecting to the existing paths at the North Shore toll booth tunnel and Sulphur Beach are minimal, as is the city end at Westhaven."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAN CYCLE SAFETY PETITION PRESENTED TO MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
11 September 2008- The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) have presented a 3,500-signature cycle safety petition to the Ministers of Transport, Police and Road Safety.
The petition was started in response to the tragic deaths of Des Eyre and Steve Fitzgerald on Wellingtons roads in July 2008. The petition calls for urgent cycling safety improvements through better planning, funding, roading project criteria, promotion, education and training, speed limits and driver licensing. The petition and other details of CAN's cycle safety campaign can be found at http://can.org.nz/9-point-plan.
CAN spokesperson Stephen McKernon says, "The petition gained nearly 3,500 signatures in just over a month, a significant response given the amount of time for its circulation. About a third of these people also made comments in support of the petition. They strongly supported a range of improvements for cyclist safety, including driver education, traffic speed, funding, legislation, health benefits and roading improvements".
McKernon says, "the Government and many local authorities have cycling strategies and programmes, but actual changes are taking far too long to put in place. These require much greater resources and the will to act on existing commitments.
"If New Zealand is serious about making the most of all the benefits of cycling, then we need immediate action to make our roads safer and more attractive for people to cycle on."
CAN is also calling for a coroner's review of the two recent cycle fatalities to look for systemic causes behind cycle crashes and to recommend remedies.
The Ministry of Transport's Household Travel Survey 2003 - 2006 shows there are about 1.3 million cyclists in New Zealand (about 30% of the population) making it one of the country's most popular sporting and leisure pursuits.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEMINI CYCLE-FRIENDLY AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
12 September 2008- Finalists in the Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards 2008 have been announced today, (in no particular order) as follows:
Avanti Award for Best Cycle Facility Project:
- North Shore City Council for Lake Road, Devonport - Takapuna Cyclelane
- New Plymouth District Council for Foreshore Coastal Pathway
- NZTA, Nelson for Atawhai Off-road shared cycleway/walkway
NZ Transport Agency Award for Best Cycling Promotion:
- Tauranga City Council for Kids Can Ride - for life
- Manawatu TriAthlon Club for Manawatu TriA Club's Summer Series for Adults & Kids
- Selwyn District Council & partners for Selwyn Mayoral Cycling Challenge
NZ Transport Agency Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by Business:
- Cycle Tour Operators New Zealand for Group formation & "Sharing the Road" protocols
- Bike Central for Cyclist Services/Facilities at Britomart Transport Centre
- Nextbike for Nextbike - Public bikes
ViaStrada Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by a Public Organisation:
- NZTA, Dunedin for Share the Road in Central Otago and Queenstown
- NZTA for Bike Wise Week
- NIWA for cycle friendly culture and support
Boulter Consulting Award for Cycling Champion of the Year:
- Bevan Woodward - Chair of Cycle Action Auckland - Getacross
- Robert Ibell - Chair of Cycling Advocates Network
- Graeme Lindup - Chairman of the North Taranaki Cycle Advocates
"Gemini is keen to see an increase in everyday cycling and supports these Awards recognising initiatives that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. We congratulate the finalists, and CAN for working to improve the cycling environment for everyone", said Noel McFarlane of Gemini Bicycles.
CAN chairperson Robert Ibell was pleased with the quality of the nominated projects. "As with last year, we had lots of great projects nominated in the cycling promotions and cycle facilities categories. However with a total of 29 entries this year compared with the record 47 entries last year, this could be a signal that not enough is actually happening on the ground. Even so the Cycle-Friendly Awards are helping to showcase some imaginative and effective people and projects that are making a difference for cyclists," said Mr Ibell."
The prize winners in each category will be announced at a ceremony held in the Canterbury Provincial Buildings Stone Chamber, Durham Street, Christchurch on Friday 3rd October at 5 p.m. The Minister of Commerce, the Hon Lianne Dalziel, will present the awards to the finalists. Winners will receive a uniquely designed 'bicycle-bell' trophy, and a certificate.
Now in their sixth year, the Cycle-Friendly Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate some of the most notable achievements in the country that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. The Awards are devised by the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN), the national organisation promoting everyday cycling.
The lead sponsor is Gemini Bicycles. The Awards are supported by the Ministry of Transport. The Award ceremony is supported by Environment Canterbury and category sponsors are Avanti, NZ Transport Agency, ViaStrada and Boulter Consulting. Early nominators were entered into a draw to win a $150 voucher from cycle clothing company Ground Effect.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW CAN WEBSITE GOES LIVE
CAN has a new website! Having received a grant from the government's Digital Strategy Initiative last year, we've completely re-developed the site, and it's just gone live.
On the new web site you can:
- Get informed - visit the website regularly, or just open an account to start receiving updates by email.
- Have your say - leave your comments in each and every article published on the website, or participate in the discussion forum.
- Share your knowledge - write your own articles, and have them published on the website.
- Join your local group - get in the loop and meet other members in your city or region.
The new website was a finalist in the 2008 Open Source Awards, for 'Open Source Use for Community Organisations' (http://www.nzosa.org.nz/).
Check it out at http://www.can.org.nz .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW ROADSIDE SERVICE FOR TASMANIAN CYCLISTS
1 September 2008- The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) is introducing a new breakdown service - for cyclists.
RACT Group Chief Executive Greg Goodman says the new service - Bike Assist - recognises the growing popularity of bicycles in Tasmania's mix of commuting and leisure activities.
"More and more Tasmanians are using bicycles for commuting, family leisure, and exercise. It's a trend the RACT wants to encourage and support, especially given the health and environmental benefits associated with cycling," Mr Goodman said.
Bike Assist will be offered as a complimentary benefit to all existing and new RACT Roadside Ultimate members. More than 41,000 Tasmanians have Ultimate cover.
Find out more here:
http://www.ract.com.au/drawpage.cgi?id=15853&s=0&ss=600
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROVISION OF CYCLING RIGHTS OF WAY: HOW TO MAKE CYCLING SAFE AND CONVENIENT FOR EVERYONE
John Pucher writes: "Cycling remains a marginal mode of transport in most North American cities because it is widely viewed as requiring special equipment and training, physical fitness, and the courage and willingness to battle with motor vehicles on streets without separate bike lanes or paths. Cycling is a mainstream mode of urban travel in Northern Europe precisely because it does not require any of those things.
"Providing safe and convenient rights of way is the most important element in making cycling possible for everyone, but it alone is not sufficient."
Read the full story here:
http://www.momentumplanet.com/cycling-everyone-0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CYCLISTS? START A WAR
9 September 2008- One week last year, Janet Sadik-Khan, New York's new transportation commissioner, visited Copenhagen to study bikeways. Impressed by a system that gives cyclists their own lanes protected by wide buffers - lanes taken away from cars - she returned home determined to emulate it.
"Thirty days later they had it," activist Gil Penalosa told Toronto council's works committee yesterday. The city removed two lanes of parked and moving cars from Ninth Avenue in the Chelsea district, replacing them with one bicycle lane and a generous no-go buffer zone between it and the remaining motorized lanes. Just like that.
Last month, Ms. Sadik-Khan earned raves for another quick-and-dirty initiative that closed Park Avenue to motorized traffic, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, for three consecutive Sundays. At the same time, city crews are tearing up the entire length of Broadway, removing driving lanes and parking in favour of generous bike lanes protected by broad landscaped buffers.
Over the same period, Paris flooded its famous boulevards with a fleet of 24,000 bicycles for the use of any citizen with a euro in their pocket. Simply creating the stations to accommodate the fleet required the elimination of 7,000 parking spaces, according to Mr. Penalosa, director of the group Walk and Bike for Life.
Read the full story here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080909.BARBER09/TPStory/Comment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
'HELMET HAIR' PUTS BRITISH WOMEN OFF CYCLING
19 September 2008- British women are three times less likely to cycle than men because they are put off by "helmet hair" and getting sweaty, a survey said today.
Despite the golden heroics in Beijing by the British female cycling team, 64 per cent of women said they never cycle, according to an online survey commissioned by Cycling England.
Citing the reasons for avoiding cycling, 58 per cent said they would not want to arrive at work sweaty, and one in four (27 per cent) were too worried about helmets ruining their hair to risk a ride in the saddle.
Read more here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/helmet-hair-puts-women-off-cycling-935758.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OIL PRICES GOOD NEWS FOR WORLD'S BIGGEST BIKE MANUFACTURER
18 September 2008- THESE are tough times for carmakers, many of which are labouring under high oil prices, slowing demand and financial weakness. For makers of human-powered, two-wheeled vehicles, by contrast, business is booming. Giant Manufacturing, the world's largest bicycle-maker, sold a record 460,000 units last month and is heading for its best year ever.
Read the full story at:
http://www.economist.co.uk/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12270958
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEBLINKS
- Antique Riders cycling for St John: a group of riders with average age over 69, riding from Cape Reinga to Bluff in October to raise funds for St John:
http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/antique/
- Ian Hibell: one of the world's most inspiring cycle tourists, Ian Hibell, recently died:
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12202333
- Cycling is officially chic:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/sep/04/fashion
- Bike Sharing in Washington DC: watch a film clip about this new bike sharing programme:
http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/dc-launches-bike-sharing-program/
- Texting on the brain: some research indicating that texting makes your brain switch off- not the best thing while driving:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4697500a28.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT CAN
Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) is New Zealand's voice for cyclists. We want to see cycling become an everyday activity in NZ. CAN's membership includes experienced cyclists, advocates, engineers, planners, local and regional councils, bike shops, and local advocacy groups throughout the country.
To find out more about CAN, go to our website, http://www.can.org.nz.
Sign up to CAN online via credit card at http://www.can.org.nz/join-can/. Join us!
ABOUT e.CAN
e.CAN is distributed approximately every 1-2 weeks to CAN members and other interested people. CAN members also get our bi-monthly magazine, ChainLinks.
To check back issues of e.CAN, go to http://www.can.org.nz/ecan .
To subscribe or unsubscribe from e.CAN, go to http://www.can.org.nz/joinfriend .
If you're getting e.CAN via a local 'Friends' Yahoo group (e.g. Friends of Cycle Aware Wellington, Bike Taupo), and you want to unsubscribe, use the 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of this email.
- Cycling advocates call for cyclists to vote 'with their wheels'
- Two steps forward and one back for Auckland Harbour Bridge walkway/cycleway
- Mixed progress on Auckland Harbour Bridge cycleway
- CAN cycle safety petition presented to Minister of Transport
- Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards finalists announced
- New CAN website goes live
- New roadside service for Tasmanian cyclists
- Provision of cycling rights of way: how to make cycling safe and convenient for everyone
- Want to make a difference for cyclists? Start a war
- 'Helmet hair' puts British women off cycling
- Oil prices good news for world's biggest bike manufacturer
- Weblinks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CYCLING ADVOCATES CALL FOR CYCLISTS TO VOTE 'WITH THEIR WHEELS'
Cycling advocacy group Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) today launched a General Election 2008 resource to help candidates and voters who want to support cycling. The aim is to build the numbers of cyclists who vote 'with their wheels'.
CAN spokesperson Stephen McKernon says, "We want parties, candidates and voters to support cycling through this Election. About 750,000 voters, or 26% of voters, are cyclists. This is a huge chunk of the electorate."
McKernon comments, "A vote for cycling is also a vote for better transport, health, neighbourhoods and economic growth. It's not a vote for the demands of a fringe group, it's a vote for things that lie at the heart of a better way of life for all. A vote for cycling stands for a lot more than just cycling.
"Cyclists have huge voting power. Parties and candidates need to be aware of this during this Election, as do cyclists. Political action has a long tradition within cycling, so 'voting with one's wheels' is not a new idea. But it is new to many New Zealand candidates and cyclists, and we want to encourage them to support cycling."
The resources can be found on CAN's Election Campaign website (http://can.org.nz/elections). They include information packs countering myths about cycling with facts and figures, and profiles of party and candidate support for cycling. These profiles are being completed as parties and candidates make their policy clear. CAN will also conduct a very brief survey with as many candidates as possible to assess their individual level of support.
"These resources are designed to help candidates communicate their support to cyclists, and to help cyclists assess who they want to vote for," says McKernon. "We hope this resource will be of major use to all this Election."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWO STEPS FORWARD AND ONE BACK FOR AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE WALKWAY/CYCLEWAY
Auckland Regional and North Shore City councillors have voted in support of walking and cycling on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, though the North Shore councillors included a caveat that they wanted more investigation done:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10531781
Meanwhile, a rally in support of the bridge walkway/cycleway on World Car Free Day (September 21) attracted a large throng- including a small group who cycled there over the bridge itself from the North Shore:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10533446
On 24 September, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) board resolved to support a consideration of bridge pedestrian and cycle paths against other regional walking and cycling projects, as part of a three-year transport programme due to begin in July. Meanwhile, the NZ Transport Agency has said it will decide "by the end of the year" whether to recommend that a bridge walkway and cycleway should proceed:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10533178
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10534053
Cycle Action Auckland's Bevan Woodward says, "NZTA's latest update on walking and cycling access on the Harbour Bridge is disappointing for its lack of clarity, uncertain time frames and propensity for finding excuses why it can't be done.
"NZTA's approach contrasts with the leadership shown by the ARTA Board which has given its clear support for the Walk/cycle way and asked for it to be included in the upcoming Regional Land Transport Programme.
"NZTA knows that the funding application for the walk/cycle way must be lodged with ARTA by October 31st for its 3 yearly funding cycle, yet they say they'll decide 'by the end of the year' whether a proposal for the walkway/cycleway is to be progressed.
"They also appear to be inflating the costs of the walk/cycle way by suggesting the connection to the Bridge could cost up to $18 million. In reality, the costs of connecting to the existing paths at the North Shore toll booth tunnel and Sulphur Beach are minimal, as is the city end at Westhaven."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAN CYCLE SAFETY PETITION PRESENTED TO MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
11 September 2008- The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) have presented a 3,500-signature cycle safety petition to the Ministers of Transport, Police and Road Safety.
The petition was started in response to the tragic deaths of Des Eyre and Steve Fitzgerald on Wellingtons roads in July 2008. The petition calls for urgent cycling safety improvements through better planning, funding, roading project criteria, promotion, education and training, speed limits and driver licensing. The petition and other details of CAN's cycle safety campaign can be found at http://can.org.nz/9-point-plan.
CAN spokesperson Stephen McKernon says, "The petition gained nearly 3,500 signatures in just over a month, a significant response given the amount of time for its circulation. About a third of these people also made comments in support of the petition. They strongly supported a range of improvements for cyclist safety, including driver education, traffic speed, funding, legislation, health benefits and roading improvements".
McKernon says, "the Government and many local authorities have cycling strategies and programmes, but actual changes are taking far too long to put in place. These require much greater resources and the will to act on existing commitments.
"If New Zealand is serious about making the most of all the benefits of cycling, then we need immediate action to make our roads safer and more attractive for people to cycle on."
CAN is also calling for a coroner's review of the two recent cycle fatalities to look for systemic causes behind cycle crashes and to recommend remedies.
The Ministry of Transport's Household Travel Survey 2003 - 2006 shows there are about 1.3 million cyclists in New Zealand (about 30% of the population) making it one of the country's most popular sporting and leisure pursuits.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEMINI CYCLE-FRIENDLY AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
12 September 2008- Finalists in the Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards 2008 have been announced today, (in no particular order) as follows:
Avanti Award for Best Cycle Facility Project:
- North Shore City Council for Lake Road, Devonport - Takapuna Cyclelane
- New Plymouth District Council for Foreshore Coastal Pathway
- NZTA, Nelson for Atawhai Off-road shared cycleway/walkway
NZ Transport Agency Award for Best Cycling Promotion:
- Tauranga City Council for Kids Can Ride - for life
- Manawatu TriAthlon Club for Manawatu TriA Club's Summer Series for Adults & Kids
- Selwyn District Council & partners for Selwyn Mayoral Cycling Challenge
NZ Transport Agency Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by Business:
- Cycle Tour Operators New Zealand for Group formation & "Sharing the Road" protocols
- Bike Central for Cyclist Services/Facilities at Britomart Transport Centre
- Nextbike for Nextbike - Public bikes
ViaStrada Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by a Public Organisation:
- NZTA, Dunedin for Share the Road in Central Otago and Queenstown
- NZTA for Bike Wise Week
- NIWA for cycle friendly culture and support
Boulter Consulting Award for Cycling Champion of the Year:
- Bevan Woodward - Chair of Cycle Action Auckland - Getacross
- Robert Ibell - Chair of Cycling Advocates Network
- Graeme Lindup - Chairman of the North Taranaki Cycle Advocates
"Gemini is keen to see an increase in everyday cycling and supports these Awards recognising initiatives that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. We congratulate the finalists, and CAN for working to improve the cycling environment for everyone", said Noel McFarlane of Gemini Bicycles.
CAN chairperson Robert Ibell was pleased with the quality of the nominated projects. "As with last year, we had lots of great projects nominated in the cycling promotions and cycle facilities categories. However with a total of 29 entries this year compared with the record 47 entries last year, this could be a signal that not enough is actually happening on the ground. Even so the Cycle-Friendly Awards are helping to showcase some imaginative and effective people and projects that are making a difference for cyclists," said Mr Ibell."
The prize winners in each category will be announced at a ceremony held in the Canterbury Provincial Buildings Stone Chamber, Durham Street, Christchurch on Friday 3rd October at 5 p.m. The Minister of Commerce, the Hon Lianne Dalziel, will present the awards to the finalists. Winners will receive a uniquely designed 'bicycle-bell' trophy, and a certificate.
Now in their sixth year, the Cycle-Friendly Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate some of the most notable achievements in the country that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. The Awards are devised by the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN), the national organisation promoting everyday cycling.
The lead sponsor is Gemini Bicycles. The Awards are supported by the Ministry of Transport. The Award ceremony is supported by Environment Canterbury and category sponsors are Avanti, NZ Transport Agency, ViaStrada and Boulter Consulting. Early nominators were entered into a draw to win a $150 voucher from cycle clothing company Ground Effect.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW CAN WEBSITE GOES LIVE
CAN has a new website! Having received a grant from the government's Digital Strategy Initiative last year, we've completely re-developed the site, and it's just gone live.
On the new web site you can:
- Get informed - visit the website regularly, or just open an account to start receiving updates by email.
- Have your say - leave your comments in each and every article published on the website, or participate in the discussion forum.
- Share your knowledge - write your own articles, and have them published on the website.
- Join your local group - get in the loop and meet other members in your city or region.
The new website was a finalist in the 2008 Open Source Awards, for 'Open Source Use for Community Organisations' (http://www.nzosa.org.nz/).
Check it out at http://www.can.org.nz .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW ROADSIDE SERVICE FOR TASMANIAN CYCLISTS
1 September 2008- The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) is introducing a new breakdown service - for cyclists.
RACT Group Chief Executive Greg Goodman says the new service - Bike Assist - recognises the growing popularity of bicycles in Tasmania's mix of commuting and leisure activities.
"More and more Tasmanians are using bicycles for commuting, family leisure, and exercise. It's a trend the RACT wants to encourage and support, especially given the health and environmental benefits associated with cycling," Mr Goodman said.
Bike Assist will be offered as a complimentary benefit to all existing and new RACT Roadside Ultimate members. More than 41,000 Tasmanians have Ultimate cover.
Find out more here:
http://www.ract.com.au/drawpage.cgi?id=15853&s=0&ss=600
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROVISION OF CYCLING RIGHTS OF WAY: HOW TO MAKE CYCLING SAFE AND CONVENIENT FOR EVERYONE
John Pucher writes: "Cycling remains a marginal mode of transport in most North American cities because it is widely viewed as requiring special equipment and training, physical fitness, and the courage and willingness to battle with motor vehicles on streets without separate bike lanes or paths. Cycling is a mainstream mode of urban travel in Northern Europe precisely because it does not require any of those things.
"Providing safe and convenient rights of way is the most important element in making cycling possible for everyone, but it alone is not sufficient."
Read the full story here:
http://www.momentumplanet.com/cycling-everyone-0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CYCLISTS? START A WAR
9 September 2008- One week last year, Janet Sadik-Khan, New York's new transportation commissioner, visited Copenhagen to study bikeways. Impressed by a system that gives cyclists their own lanes protected by wide buffers - lanes taken away from cars - she returned home determined to emulate it.
"Thirty days later they had it," activist Gil Penalosa told Toronto council's works committee yesterday. The city removed two lanes of parked and moving cars from Ninth Avenue in the Chelsea district, replacing them with one bicycle lane and a generous no-go buffer zone between it and the remaining motorized lanes. Just like that.
Last month, Ms. Sadik-Khan earned raves for another quick-and-dirty initiative that closed Park Avenue to motorized traffic, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, for three consecutive Sundays. At the same time, city crews are tearing up the entire length of Broadway, removing driving lanes and parking in favour of generous bike lanes protected by broad landscaped buffers.
Over the same period, Paris flooded its famous boulevards with a fleet of 24,000 bicycles for the use of any citizen with a euro in their pocket. Simply creating the stations to accommodate the fleet required the elimination of 7,000 parking spaces, according to Mr. Penalosa, director of the group Walk and Bike for Life.
Read the full story here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080909.BARBER09/TPStory/Comment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
'HELMET HAIR' PUTS BRITISH WOMEN OFF CYCLING
19 September 2008- British women are three times less likely to cycle than men because they are put off by "helmet hair" and getting sweaty, a survey said today.
Despite the golden heroics in Beijing by the British female cycling team, 64 per cent of women said they never cycle, according to an online survey commissioned by Cycling England.
Citing the reasons for avoiding cycling, 58 per cent said they would not want to arrive at work sweaty, and one in four (27 per cent) were too worried about helmets ruining their hair to risk a ride in the saddle.
Read more here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/helmet-hair-puts-women-off-cycling-935758.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OIL PRICES GOOD NEWS FOR WORLD'S BIGGEST BIKE MANUFACTURER
18 September 2008- THESE are tough times for carmakers, many of which are labouring under high oil prices, slowing demand and financial weakness. For makers of human-powered, two-wheeled vehicles, by contrast, business is booming. Giant Manufacturing, the world's largest bicycle-maker, sold a record 460,000 units last month and is heading for its best year ever.
Read the full story at:
http://www.economist.co.uk/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12270958
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEBLINKS
- Antique Riders cycling for St John: a group of riders with average age over 69, riding from Cape Reinga to Bluff in October to raise funds for St John:
http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/antique/
- Ian Hibell: one of the world's most inspiring cycle tourists, Ian Hibell, recently died:
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12202333
- Cycling is officially chic:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/sep/04/fashion
- Bike Sharing in Washington DC: watch a film clip about this new bike sharing programme:
http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/dc-launches-bike-sharing-program/
- Texting on the brain: some research indicating that texting makes your brain switch off- not the best thing while driving:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4697500a28.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT CAN
Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) is New Zealand's voice for cyclists. We want to see cycling become an everyday activity in NZ. CAN's membership includes experienced cyclists, advocates, engineers, planners, local and regional councils, bike shops, and local advocacy groups throughout the country.
To find out more about CAN, go to our website, http://www.can.org.nz.
Sign up to CAN online via credit card at http://www.can.org.nz/join-can/. Join us!
ABOUT e.CAN
e.CAN is distributed approximately every 1-2 weeks to CAN members and other interested people. CAN members also get our bi-monthly magazine, ChainLinks.
To check back issues of e.CAN, go to http://www.can.org.nz/ecan .
To subscribe or unsubscribe from e.CAN, go to http://www.can.org.nz/joinfriend .
If you're getting e.CAN via a local 'Friends' Yahoo group (e.g. Friends of Cycle Aware Wellington, Bike Taupo), and you want to unsubscribe, use the 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of this email.